Teacher layoffs: The LA Times Highlights the Effects

The Los Angeles Times featured a story today concerning the effect of teacher layoffs on future educators. According to the California state Commission on Teaching Credentialing, in California the number of teaching credentials that were issued on an annual basis reduced 29% over the past five years, from 28,039 during 2004-2005 to 20,032 during 2009-2010. So it should not be much of a surprise that post-bachelor degree programs have also seen a significant decline in enrollment of those teachers seeking training. The California State University system which is one of the nation’s largest providers of new teachers has suffered a reduction of students enrolled in credential classes; less than 50% are enrolled than were present 8 years ago.

All of this directly impacts new teachers and those who will soon complete their required credentials and certifications. These new teachers are the last to get hired and the first to get fired, but even with that reality looming over them there are students and new teachers who are willing to do what it takes to educate our youth and survive the employment crunch that is expected to last possibly another two to five years, Professor Greg Knott’s of Cal State Northridge told the LA Times.